Dear March – Come in

Where flowers bloom,
So does Hope

Lady Bird Johnson

The arrival of spring comes with hope. The earth presses the refresh button to shake off the blues of winter to welcome the baby leaves that would brighten the trees, the buds which would paint the world around us. Yes, the year 2021 is moving swiftly, and two months have passed already. I wonder whether the earth has picked up enormous speed to move faster than before?

I remember my grandma’s words. She used to mention that the days move faster when we are energetic and engaged in life. The same days may look longer when one is withdrawn or physically weak to get up and get going. 

If you feel that days are moving quickly and February has ended soon, be happy that you are more lively! Otherwise, no worries, let’s welcome March with  a poem by Emily Dickinson (1830-1886). 

Dear March – Come in –
How glad I am –
I hoped for you before –
Put down your Hat –
You must have walked –
How out of Breath you are –
Dear March, how are you, and the Rest –
Did you leave Nature well –
Oh March, Come right upstairs with me –
I have so much to tell –

I got your Letter, and the Birds –
The Maples never knew that you were coming –
I declare – how Red their Faces grew –
But March, forgive me –
And all those Hills you left for me to Hue –
There was no Purple suitable –
You took it all with you –

Who knocks? That April –
Lock the Door –
I will not be pursued –
He stayed away a Year to call
When I am occupied –
But trifles look so trivial
As soon as you have come

That blame is just as dear as Praise
And Praise as mere as Blame –

It is a freely structured poem. It’s all about March, which is the beginning month of spring that indicates the blossom of life.

We have witnessed a very long winter that started at the end of 2019 and is still on. Unlike the regular winter that gives way to spring, this winter of Covid 19 came with unprecedented times and lead to situations which we would not have even imagined. Hopes of the vaccinations are in the air, and it is coinciding with March, which indicates the arrival of the spring season.

As we are looking forward to the days of freedom, to be there in the world not obsessed with masks, sanitizers, and hand washes, where we can meet and greet friends without hesitation. Let us welcome March with much-needed hopes.

Which winter do you want to end soon? It could be different for each one based on your life experiences at this time. It may be emotional, physical, financial, social, economic, or of any category. Welcome Spring into your life!

—Anitha KC